Pooh and the Art of Living & Loving 2- A Friend in Need

In which the reader seeks the story so far...

Pooh wakes up in hundred acre wood only to discover he has forgotten who he is…

Hold on there , why am I telling the tale again? You already know what happened. Thank you for reading the story so far and all your nice comments.

If you havent, lazyfingers, all it takes is a single click to read what happened previously. So please go ahead and click.

As you well know, if you don’t know what happened before it is hard to know what is happening now. And if you don’t know what’s happening now it is hard to be ready for what will come next.

For you see, as a wise man once said, the past is history, the future is a mystery, but today – today is a gift, that is why it is called a 'present'.

Some raindrops rush straight to the ground, but some love to ride on the leaves first and fall leisurely when the rush is over... | Source

In Which Pooh meets a Friend

The rain had stopped as Pooh clambered down the tree with some difficulty. The honey was still sloshing around in his tummy from his recent repast. The air was damp and the smell of wet earth and foliage surrounded Pooh. The sky was still grey like Eeyore’s coat. There was a plippety plop of droplets trickling down the leaves and landing on the branches and the leaf covered ground. Some raindrops rush straight to the ground, but others love to ride the leaves first and then fall leisurely after all the rush is gone.

Pooh felt a drop hit his warm nose and he jumped.

He was tense with anticipation for he had heard the name ‘Pooh’ come from someone nearby. It created a stir of recognition in his woozy head.

‘Could this be my name?’ he thought as he trundled down the path. The remnant of the song he sang before came floating in.

Who am I?

(Is it just my name)

Who am I?

(Will I ever know?)

A rat-tat- a-tat sound stopped him in his tracks. He peered across to his front door. He saw Piglet jumping up and down to reach the door knocker. Pooh knew this was Piglet and that he was his best friend. It was odd like that. He remembered very much all the details of hundred acre wood and its inhabitants but couldn’t quite remember who he was.

Not knowing who he was left an empty space in his head. Like the inside of a pot when the hunny ran out. | Source

In which Pooh can't hold two thoughts in his little brain...

“Pooh. Are you in?” shouted Piglet. Even when he shouted Piglet’s voice came out soft and gentle. As Pooh knew this was his house, he realised his name must be Pooh. Although there he stood, a little wet but content, not fully knowing who he was still left an empty space in his head. Like the inside of a pot when the hunny ran out. But the name helped. Briefly.

He was about to call out to Piglet when something caught his eye. It was a board above his door. It was damp and waterlogged but there was no mistaking what it said. It said 'Mr Sanders’.

Pooh hadn’t noticed this when he came out of his house before.

Now it confused him. He put a paw under his chin and scratched. But instead of wondering about his name, the silly bear wondered why he scratched his chin in these circumstances.

You see, when you are a bear of very little brain, you couldn’t always hold two things at once inside. So Pooh went with this new thought and a song popped into his head.

It is funny how when you can't hold an extra thought in your head, there is always room for a song.

Why do we scratch our chinny chin chin | Source

...but Can Hold a Song.

‘Why do we scratch our chin chinny chin

When a slippery thought just fails to come in

We wrinkle the nose and stand in a pose

Does it help, does it help, is there anyone who knows

We cup our chin and we raise our brows

We may wiggle our nose like a curious mouse

Scratching the head may help our brain

When its damp and soggy with all this rain

Scratching our chin oh what does it gain

Is there someone out there who can explain

When a slippery thought just fails to come in

Why do we scratch our chin chinny chin’

In which Piglet lends a hand...

Pooh hummed the song out loud, and found he was also doing the actions at the same time. He scratched his chin, wrinkled his nose, struck a pose, cupped his chin, raised his brows and wriggled his nose too when Piglet’s voice interrupted his song.

“Ah there you are, Pooh. And what are you doing?”

“Hello there, Piglet. I am so glad to see you”

Piglet came closer and held Pooh’s hand. Pooh felt better immediately. It’s amazing how a single hand of a friend can calm things down so quickly.

“Piglet, I have a problem.”

“ Do tell me, Pooh, but first lets go and sit down. I have been jumping up and down and my little legs hurt”

They both walked up to a log that looked comfortable. It was a bit damp and there was some sticky moss all over it, but the friends didn’t mind. It was a good log that has helped in many such deliberations.

“Oh bother. I wish I could explain better.” sighed Pooh.

“You tell me what it is and we’ll explain together. That’s what friends are for.”

It was a good log that has helped in many such deliberations. | Source

In which a problem is shared...

Pooh told Piglet how he woke up that morning and passed the mirror and… well you know the story.

Piglet scratched his head. Pooh thought this was a good sign.

“Well, I can tell you that you are Pooh bear”

“Is that my name?”

“Well not your full name. Christopher Robin calls you Winnie-ther-Pooh”

“Winnie? But I am sure I am a boy. I know it is not usual to call boys Winnie”

“Christopher Robin says that’s why you have a ‘ther’ in the middle and that’s all the explanation you will get.”

Pooh crossed his arms and tilted his head to one side. He may be a bear of little brain but he knew there was something amiss.

“Then tell me Piglet. Why does my house have a plaque that says ‘Mr Sanders’. Am I Winnie-ther-Pooh-Sanders?”

Piglet blinked five times.

If you had cared to read what happened before you would now know that it has been said you blink once for clarity, twice for purity, three times for sanity and four times for curiosity.

Apparently five times, in itself a rarity, is how much you blink for a calamity.

Who is Mr Sanders? | Source

In which the friends go in search of answers

“Oh!” said Piglet. “I used to wonder that myself. I can tell you for sure that you are Winnie- ther-Pooh, my bestest friend. You are cuddly, you like honey and playing Pooh-sticks. I can also tell you that we have been living in hundred acre wood with our friends for some time. However, I really have no idea who Mr Sanders is. I don’t think it is you, Pooh. I think you have just been living under that name”

“Now why would I live under that name if it is not my own?" Pooh looked unhappy and be..bef.. befuddled.

This made Piglet sad. He had hoped sitting down on the damp but comfortable log, sharing his friends concerns and talking would have made Pooh happy. He briefly wondered if this was just a passing thought and whether Pooh would get distracted with some honey.

The sun was trying to peep through the fluffy clouds and the leaves glistened as if decorated with jewels. Piglet looked down and noticed a few clean spots on his arms where the raindrops had fallen. He shuddered thinking about the last time his friends tried to bath him. It was a long time ago but the shock still remained. He wrapped his scarf around tighter on his neck as a gentle but cold breeze blew over. The friends stayed quiet for some time.

"Who, Piglet, do you think is the best one to ask?” Pooh's voice shook Piglet from his reverie.

Piglet had no hesitation. “I think we need Owl. He has always got answers. Sometimes he has got answers to questions we don’t even ask. And he knows how to spell Tuesday.”

Pooh nodded solemnly. “Lets go and find Owl. I can’t carry on not knowing who I am, for sure.”

Piglet patted Pooh's hand."That's a good start. Sometimes knowing what you don't know is a good thing. It's funny how some people try to know things without doing that first."

The two friends stood up and walked down the path. They had a bit of moss on their bottoms but a lot of hope in their hearts.

And where there's hope, there's always a song.

So the two friends stood up and walked down the path. They had a bit of moss on their bottom but a lot of hope in their hearts. | Source

Would you like to read Pooh's continuing adventures?

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Mohan, you are a man of many talents. A man of many voices. You can write with elegance and with eloquence, and here you write with whimsy, but so, so much in the style of A.A Milne.

A true Pooh lover knows that he is Winnie-ther-Pooh and that he lived under the name of Sanders.

I liked it very much and of course, continue the series.

billybuc 4 years ago from Olympia, WA

This is exquisite creativity. I bow to your talents, which are many. Well done my friend!

Becky Katz 4 years ago from Hereford, AZ

This is a wonderful little story. I love Winnie-ther-Pooh and it is so good to see a new story about him. I know Ian agrees. Hi, my dear old coot. Please, finish the tale of his amnesia before you stop.

Daisy Mariposa 4 years ago from Orange County (Southern California)

Mohan (Docmo),

My polymath friend, your talent and creativity knows no bounds.

Just in the field of writing alone, your poetry is exquisite, your pastiche of Sherlock Holmes is the best I've ever read, and your pastiche of Winnie-ther-Pooh is something Milne would be proud to call his own.

So wonderful and good! I have always, always loved Pooh because of the messages they render and lessons you find. Voting up. Thank you!

lovedoctor926 4 years ago

This was so sweet! I always enjoyed the tales of Pooh and Piglet. vote up awesome! loved it.

Gypsy Rose Lee 4 years ago from Riga, Latvia

Voted up. Your a great story teller. I've always loved Pooh and Piglet and all the gang in the woods. When I've got the time I keep watching the Pooh cartoons on YouTube. Can't wait for the continuation. Sure hope Pooh regains his memory. Love your illustrations.

ChristyWrites 4 years ago from British Columbia, Canada

This hub is so well crafted and the story very well done. Wow. A vote up and share too, thumbs up!

rsusan 4 years ago from South Africa

Creativity is an exquisite thing, Docmo! How wonderful! Something sweet to savour...until next time.

Rika

shiningirisheyes 4 years ago from Upstate, New York

You always take me back to my happy childhood with my loveable Pooh. Such creative writing, whimsical feelings while leaving important lessons along the way.

Again, this is adorable. I am so glad you introduced Piglet! My favorite part is the illustration of Pooh and Piglet with moss on their bottoms! And the caption underneath. Everything is better when you are accompanied by a good friend!

Your stories have reminded me of a group of guys I was friends with years back. They reminded me of Pooh and his friends. There was Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Tigger.... Thanks for reminding me of them.

Looking forward to your next one!!

Vellur 4 years ago from Dubai

Great hub. Awesome. A true friend can always make thing better and bring out the sunshine.

kj force 4 years ago from Florida

Docmo..enjoyed the story...we still have our Pooh, Eyeore , Piglet, Rabbit, and Tigger..they are 50 years old and now sit on my G-daughters bed, much loved as always...thanks for sharing..voted up

marcoujor 4 years ago from Jeffersonville PA

Doc,

LOVE LOVE that Friendship song... "corny as charged"! And I love bear hugs!

This is getting the distinct feel of a "huggie bear" soapie... just sayin' as one of your new groupies... and I clearly voted for you to CONTINUE 'forever and a day...' , along with UP & across the board!

What a delightful series, Doc!

always exploring 4 years ago from Southern Illinois

As i was reading, the song, ' That's what friends are for ' was in my head. I adore this. You are multitalented. You should be writing children's books, maybe you are? Please continue with the story. Pooh is so sweet, you make his adventures fun and lovable...

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Ian, it gives me great pleasure to write something that is appreciated by someone who adores Pooh and to get such great compliments too. I am happy that you enjoyed it, as I was nervous if I could continue the whimsy and carry it off. Thanks for validating my faith in my storytelling, my friend. Greatly appreciated.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Billy - thank you sir. The Duel becomes a Duet. You are very kind.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Becky- thank you for your visit and appreciation. I've got to thank you for your visit and support.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Daisy, what does a boy to do when there is so much support and appreciation. He continues to write and strives to be good. Thank you, m'dear.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

ytsenoh- thank you so much!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

lovedoctor ( what a cool name- I so wish I was the love doctor!) thank you for your visit and compliments!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Gypsy, I'm grateful. thank you very much. After all these votes I do intend to continue. Lets hope I can sustain the whimsy.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Christy, you had me at 'Wow'. thank you so much.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Christy, you had me at 'Wow'. thank you so much.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Rika, I agree. I am so blessed that the creativity is valued and appreciated here. Thank you so much.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

shining, my friend, I do appreciate your support. Its an honor to be able to please Pooh fans.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

drbj,

Pooh has Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger

With every compliment my head gets bigger

Piglet has Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore

With friends like you, I wanna do more.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

becky- please don't spoil the surprise! lol.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Dana, its amazing how stories bring back memories, especially one of childhood friends. So which one were you? thank you, m'dear.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Nithya, thanks for your support and awesomeness. Much appreciate your visit and comments.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

kj, thanks for sharing. Its amazing how we keep those treasured mementos and value them so much.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Maria, you and me both. Love bear hugs I mean. I'm glad you liked the song. I'm so darn proud of it. And thanks for the vote. I'm honored.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Ruby, how did you know. I'm half way through a children's book. Its hard to juggle work, family and writing but I love em all! Thank you.

Nell Rose 4 years ago from England

Hi, Mohan, this is genius! I quickly went back to read the first one, and caught up. I loved it, and those pictures were brilliant! lol! certainly cheered me up with a great big smile, loved it!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Thanks Nell- I always loved Pooh and thought it would be nice to bring him back for a bit of existential crisis!

suzettenaples 4 years ago from Taos, NM

Oh, Docmo, please continue on with the tale. I love Winnie ther Pooh ( I always thought it was Winnie the Pooh -- but what do I know?) You are so creative and your illustrations are just wonderful! You have Milne's writing style down pat - I cant' believe how good this is - you would think it was an original Winnie the Pooh story from Milne. I can't believe your talent. I agree with Nell - your are a brilliant genius!

K9keystrokes 4 years ago from Northern, California

Mohan! I am in awe of your artwork to begin with. But, your story telling and the magic of Poo has me surely captivated in my own honey jar of Docmo Hubs! I am heading out to catch up on the first one; what a simply delightful thing you have shared with us!

Super big HubHugs~

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

suzette- thanks for your appreciation. He is Winnie-the-Pooh - AA Milne played games and if you remember some of the stories the 'Winnie-ther-Pooh' is an inside joke.

I am so delighted you like this. I am grinning widely at your fab comment. Thank you again!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

India, thank you so much. Super big Hubhugs right back. I am really pleased you like this.

cclitgirl 4 years ago from Western NC

Absolutely fabulous drawings - and with the iPad - wow! This whole hub reminds me of the Tao of Pooh. It also reminds me of how I used to love reading Pooh stories when I was a kid. Not only that, it's such a message for all of us? Who are we? Well, really, we need not worry and just enjoy friends and the ride of life. Well done!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Thanks- strange that you mentioned Tao of Pooh 'cause that was my inspiration. That and the fact my kids love Pooh stories so I though I'll make up a new one for them. Appreciate your visit.

tillsontitan 4 years ago from New York

I now officially know I'm losing my mind. I could have sworn I left a comment here when I first read it and yet I don't see a comment from me. Perhaps I need to go and talk to Owl and see if he can help find my comment?

This is brilliant, just like the first part. You really should be contacting whoever is in charge of Winnie the Pooh and Milne's works to write another book in his honor. Your writing is superb and your drawing incredible!

Voted all the way across...grand slam and shared with my followers.

Janine Huldie 4 years ago from New York, New York

This story and the pics you drew are amazing. I am pinning this so that I can read to my girls over and over. They love Winnie the Pooh and I am sure will love this too. Thank you so much. Have also voted this up and shared!!!

raciniwa 4 years ago from Naga City, Cebu

this is awesome docmo...a genuine talent and a rarity not calamity these days...

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Mary- I am not sure where the comment disappeared off to, maybe the heffalumps stole it away! But if it means you coming back to read it one more and write one of your great comments again, I don't mind at all. :-)

How will this wonderful adventure end? My eyes just blinked four times - on to the next installment!

Amy Becherer 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO

I get so engrossed in the characters and storyline, I, with a wee brain, want to jump in and defend sweet Pooh's small brain, as his heart is so big. I love Pooh, not just because he's cute and cuddly, but for the absolute lovable tenderness in the meaning of this story. Despite the childlike innocence, you so perfectly portray, Docmo, there is profound depth in a tale that inspires adults in the true meaning of the best moments in life. Fantasmical in every way!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

mperrottet : appreciate your visit!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Thank you. What more can a storyteller ask for. I wanted to retain the innocence while talking to adults about some home truths, Don't set out to preach but I like the way stories tell us so much and so well. I'm glad you found mine 'fantasmical'. Love that word- may use it in the next Pooh adventure. Thank you so much Amy- Its good to see you here.

MartieCoetser 4 years ago from South Africa

Striking 1: "It is funny how when you can't hold an extra thought in your head, there is always room for a song."

Striking 2: Piglet patted Pooh's hand."That's a good start. Sometimes knowing what you don't know is a good thing. It's funny how some people try to know things without doing that first."

Docmo, I really enjoyed this story of Pooh - A Friend in Need - and voted it up across the board.

On to # 3 (as you can see I am catching up) :)

Movie Master 4 years ago from United Kingdom

Hi Docmo, I just love Pooh's song!

Piglet really is just the best friend anyone could have - a fabulous story and the pictures amazing!

Voted up.

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

Martie: thank you so much. I am amazed I ma actually writing a Pooh story worthy of such readership and even more amazed that you like the words that tumble out of my cavernous mind!

xstatic 4 years ago from Eugene, Oregon

I got behind on these wonderful stories, so will catch up, as soon as I can remember where to start. Great stories and illustrations too!

Lucky Cats 4 years ago from The beautiful Napa Valley, California

Sweet as it can be...friends...and wondering about life. Very compelling..there are nice messages underneath this sweet demeanor...and I'm off to #3! All ups!

Docmo 4 years ago from UK Author

xstatic and Kathy- I have to say again how great it is is you find my writing worthy enough to straddle and read several hubs together. Thank you both so much!

Made 4 years ago from Finland

You are very talented. I'll keep reading. I want to find out how the story continues. :)